Discussion boards

Discussion BoardsPosting Substantive Initial

Responses and Peer Responses for Maximum

Credit

Purpose of the Discussion Boards

Because we are interacting in an informal setting, we use the discussion boards as our classroom time. Here, we discuss class objectives with peers so that we can acquire a deeper understanding of course materials. These discussions also allow us to explore said materials in greater depth. Therefore it is imperative to your learning that we clearly understand what makes a good initial and response posting.

Things to Consider When Posting Your Initial

ResponseAs the purpose of the discussion boards is not only to discuss information with others about the materials being covered, but to also prove that you have read and understand the text, it is imperative that you include not only your opinions, but also examples from the text or other sources to back up your claims. In other words, you need to show why and how you came to said conclusions.

Things to Consider When Responding to Your Peers

When responding to your peers, you should include three main elements in order to create a substantive posting that helps to further our discussions.

Is my posting Insightful? Have I created a Thorough posting? Is my post Interesting?

Definitions

• Insightful Posting: A post that discusses the question with clear and deep perception. It displays good deductive reasoning, which is a conclusion, made by the poster, related to the topic that is supported by evidence, especially concepts from the readings.

• Thorough Posting: A post that is painstakingly accurate or careful in its discussion of the question. It completely answers all parts of the question.

• Interesting Posting: A post that is related to the topic and holds the attention of the reader. It relates concepts in a way different from the readings and makes them more relevant to the question being discussed.

Sample Analytic Discussion Board Grading Rubric

Based on a 2 pt ValueExcellent Good Fair Poor

Contributes to the Classroom Posting is insightful, thorough and interesting.

(.5)

Posting is thorough and interesting.

(.4)

Posting is interesting but lacks insight and depth.

(.3)

Posting is uninteresting and/or too brief for the assignments.

(.2)

Demonstrates Understanding of the Assignment

Posting demonstrates thorough understanding of

the reading assignment and is substantiated by two (2) or

more examples from the textbook and/or appropriate

website.(.5)

Posting demonstrates an understanding of the reading

assignment and is substantiated by at least (1) example from the textbook and/or appropriate website.

(.4)

Posting demonstrates an understanding of the reading

assignment but is not substantiated by examples from the textbook and/or

appropriate website. (.3)

Posting demonstrates very little understanding of the

reading assignment. (.2)

Provides Substantive Responses and Replies to

Other Postings

Actively engaged in the discussion forums with at least

(2) postings made to other students in a manner that demonstrates substantive

analysis and/or evaluation. (.5)

Actively engaged in the discussion forum with at least

two (2) postings made to other students where one (1) of the postings demonstrates substantive analysis and/or evaluation while the second demonstrates constructive analysis, but is not of the quality as required for an

excellent rating. (.4)

Makes at least two (2) responses but responses fail to demonstrate constructive analysis or are inadequate.

(.3)

Less than acceptable responses.

(.2)

Does not respond or responses are not related to

the topic.(0)

Utilizes Correct Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling, and

Sentence Structure

Posting is polished, generally free of errors in mechanics,

spelling, usage, and sentence structure.

(.5)

Posting is polished, but may contain minor errors in

mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence structure.

(.4)

Posting is adequate but may contain some errors in

mechanics, spelling, usage, and sentence structure, but errors do not interfere with

understanding. (.3)

Posting has numerous errors in mechanics, usage, spelling, and sentence structure. Errors

interfere with readability.(.2)